Lagos State has officially been named as Nigeria’s host city for the 2027 Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) a major continental economic event aimed at boosting intra-African trade and investment.
The announcement was made during the ongoing IATF 2025 in Algiers, Algeria, by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), the African Union, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat.
A statement released on Monday by the Lagos State Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade, and Investment confirmed the selection, describing it as a milestone achievement for both Nigeria and the West African sub-region.
Sanwo-Olu: “This is the Spirit of Lagos at Work”
Reacting to the news, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu expressed excitement over the nomination, calling it a “fitting recognition” of Lagos as Africa’s leading commercial and financial hub.
“We are thrilled, but not surprised. This reflects our resilience and progress on the Greater Lagos journey through our T.H.E.M.E.S Plus agenda,” the governor said from Algiers.
Sanwo-Olu linked the nomination to recent global attention Lagos has received, including hosting the GITEX tech expo and preparing for the E1 electric boat race, Africa’s first-ever edition of the international sporting event.
“We keep making history. This is the Spirit of Lagos at work. Lagos is proud to carry this responsibility,” he added.
The governor also praised the selection as a demonstration of the state’s alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which he said has been instrumental in driving economic reforms across the country.
What to Expect from IATF 2027 in Lagos
According to Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade, and Investment, Folashade Ambrose, Lagos is preparing to host:
- Over 1,600 exhibitors
- More than 35,000 visitors
- Billions of dollars in trade and investment deals
“Hosting IATF 2027 places Lagos at the heart of Africa’s trade future. It reflects our dedication to regional integration and economic transformation,” Ambrose said.
She added that the fair aligns with the long-term vision outlined in the Lagos State Development Plan 2052, which focuses on inclusive growth, innovation, and infrastructure development.
Why Lagos?
The state government outlined several reasons why Lagos was chosen:
- Strategic Economic Positioning: Lagos is Nigeria’s commercial powerhouse and gateway to West Africa’s market of over 400 million people.
- Strong Infrastructure and Connectivity: With ongoing upgrades in transport, digital systems, and logistics, the city is primed for global events.
- Continental Influence: Nigeria is Africa’s largest economy, and Lagos is its most influential city in trade and enterprise.
- AfCFTA Commitment: The state’s active role in AfCFTA implementation makes it a natural host for the IATF.
Ambrose said the fair will accelerate Nigeria’s competitiveness, stimulate investment in local industries, and drive cross-border partnerships critical for Africa’s economic future.
Preparations Underway: “We’re Ready to Welcome the World”
The Lagos State Government will work with the Federal Government, Afreximbank, African Union, and AfCFTA Secretariat to roll out a comprehensive hosting plan. This will include:
- Infrastructure development
- Security
- Logistics
- Hospitality and tourism
Ambrose also emphasized that the state’s goal is to leave a lasting legacy beyond 2027, positioning Lagos as a go-to destination for global trade events.
Lagos SMEs Already on the Move
Meanwhile, Lagos has already begun activating its trade strategy. Commissioner Ambrose is currently leading the first group of 20 export-ready SMEs from the state to participate in the 2025 IATF in Algiers, drawn from the 253 trained under the Lagos Export Readiness Programme.
She delivered the keynote address at the SME Pavilion for Africa and is participating in the Nigeria Pavilion to showcase the state’s readiness for 2027.
“As Africa builds toward a borderless trade future, Lagos stands ready to serve as the gateway,” she said.
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